French MPs Say “Non” to Using English at the Paris Olympics

As the 2024 Paris Olympics approach, a long-standing concern for the French has resurfaced: the creeping influence of English in the Olympic Games. In a recent resolution, French MPs urged organizers, athletes, and journalists to prioritize the use of French throughout the event.

The debate is not new; in fact, it dates back to the 1990s, when the French government passed the Toubon Law to protect the French language. However, the increasing global influence of English, particularly through American streaming platforms like Netflix, has led to the infiltration of English terms in various aspects of French culture, including sports.

The cultural influence of English is undeniable. Many global sports events broadcast globally have chosen to use English for communication, titles, and advertising. For instance, the French rugby team wore jerseys with “Rugby World Cup” inscribed instead of “La Coupe du Monde de rugby” during the 2022 competition in France.

The concern is not limited to sports; even government-backed campaigns, such as “Choose France” and “Made in France,” have been criticized for promoting the use of English. The French rugby team’s jersey and government-backed campaigns demonstrate the ongoing struggle to preserve the French language.

French lawmakers, including Annie Genevard, expressed alarm about the loss of influence of the French language. Genevard recalled the much-criticized slogan used for Paris’ original bid for the Games — “Made for Sharing” — and other recent government-backed campaigns. She emphasized that the fight for the French language is never finished, even in official spheres.

The dominance of English at the Olympics is particularly galling for the French, given that the modern Games were invented by French aristocrat Pierre de Coubertin in the late 19th century. French was the lingua franca of the first editions and remains one of the official languages of the International Olympic Committee, which is headed by former German fencer Thomas Bach.

The resolution by French MPs might also resonate at the headquarters of the Paris 2024 organizing committee, where many officials regularly pepper their French with anglicisms. When the committee’s communications director proposed “un QnA” to journalists at a recent press conference, she was upbraided by an outraged French journalist, who suggested using the French term “questions-reponses” instead.

As the Paris Olympics approach, it is crucial to acknowledge the significance of language in preserving cultural identity. The French language is an integral part of the country’s heritage, and efforts to promote its use should be encouraged.

By adopting a more inclusive language policy, the Paris Olympics can foster a sense of unity and cultural exchange while preserving the French language. As the French say, “La langue est la clef de l’identité culturelle” – language is the key to cultural identity.